Shop for: layering tops

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Loading up on layers is always a smart strategy for cool winter temps, but layering is especially helpful when you're a mom-to-be and your body isn't regulating its temperature as efficiently. Hormones might be causing you to experience chills in your well-heated office and hot flashes in the freezer aisle.

To master maternity layering, first stock up on a bunch of maternity T-shirts — at least five or six. (Extra-long maternity T-shirts also bridge the gap between your favorite non-maternity sweaters and your jeans, helping you stretch your regular wardrobe well into your second trimester.) You'll also want to pick up one or two tank tops for layering on more temperate days, and invest in a few long-sleeve shirts for layering on chilly days.

If you're overheating indoors, stick to 100-percent cotton tops, which won't leave you feeling suffocated. If you're into a sleek and snug fit, try a cotton blend with some stretch factor.

Check your closet for: ponchos and sweater dresses

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Ponchos are a pregnant woman's dream — essentially a cozy blanket you can wear out in public. They'll drape nicely around your baby bump as it grows (this is one clothing item that looks decidedly cuter on a pregnant body!).

Skip: maternity cardigans

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Obviously, a few great maternity sweaters are a major must-have during winter — but if you're trying to stretch your budget, you can skip the cardigan category. The reason? Even if your chest grows to proportions you never dreamed of, you can wear non-maternity cardigans unbuttoned over dresses, blouses, and layering tees...and show off your beautiful baby bump, too.

Shop for: cute, stylish bottoms

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Maternity jeans are a staple, but don't forget to invest in a pair or two of statement pants from the maternity section as well. Styles like coated jeans, skinny cords or leather leggings are great options for when you want to look more polished.

To get the most wear for your money, look for pants with a waist that can adjust as your body expands, or a low panel that sits below your bump, on your hips. Maternity pants with a full waistband panel are extra comfy, but you may not be able to wear them until later in your pregnancy. And as with maternity jeans, Lycra is your friend — plenty of stretch ensures a great fit and your comfort.

Check your closet for: blazers

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Here's the thing about maternity clothes: They can be either really blousy or totally snug. Sometimes, what you crave is a little structure. That's where blazers come in handy, especially when you're layering up in cold weather.

As with cardigans, your existing blazers can be worn open if your belly and bust outgrow them, and they'll still make a dress or top-and-jeans ensemble look instantly chic and pulled together. For girls' night out or date night, try a blazer over a sequined maternity top (you even have a pass to play up that ample cleavage, if you want — the blazer will keep your outfit classy).

Skip: maternity jeggings

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You'll see stacks and stacks of jeggings in maternity shops, and understandably so — super-stretchy denim was basically invented for the pregnant body.

That said, most maternity jeggings don't differ much from their non-maternity counterparts, and they often cost much more. Try jeggings in a larger size from the women's department rather than the maternity department, and you'll probably end up paying less and having more options to choose from — plus, you may be able to keep wearing them once the baby's born.

Shop for: a belly band

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Here's why you'll soon be swearing by your belly band: This elastic band adds length to your favorite tops (concealing your tummy) and covers undone buttons on bottoms (it's tight enough to hold up your jeans, with no peekaboo underwear). Your belly band will help you stretch pre-pregnancy pants well into your second trimester, while adding a layer of body-hugging warmth and comfort.

Department stores sell belly band brands at a variety of price points. You may find that the more expensive bands do a better job of holding up your jeans when you start wearing them unbuttoned. Try on a variety of belly bands to see which feels best, and consider which color will work best in your wardrobe. Black or white will look just like a regular top when it peeks out, while nude is nice under a top that's slightly sheer.

Check your closet for: low-waist trousers

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Once you have a belly band, you can salvage some of your favorite office-appropriate bottoms and keep on wearing them while pregnant, with the button secretly undone. Keep in mind that the lower your pants sit on your hips, the better they'll continue to fit you in pregnancy. Chances are you have at least a pair or two of work pants you can keep in the rotation with a belly band, so you don't need to invest in maternity trousers.

Skip: a maternity swimsuit

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One big reason a winter pregnancy is great: Unless you live in a year-round warm climate or have plans to travel to one soon, you can skip right past this often-dreaded item on the maternity checklist. Lucky you! (If you do happen to live in a balmy locale, just keep one word in mind when it comes to swimsuit shopping: ruching.)

And if there is a vacation on your calendar, consider borrowing a maternity swimsuit from a friend to save some cash — the styles are built with extra stretch and are more flattering to all pregnant body shapes.

Shop for: warm tights

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If you work in an office or just prefer to wear skirts and dresses, a few great pairs of comfortable, warm maternity tights are a must. And while some of your usual tights might continue to fit well into your second trimester, they'll be left forever stretched and saggy — and likely won't last you through your final few months.

So go ahead and get a couple pairs now — opaque black tights in a matte finish are the most versatile, while classic cable knit are extra cozy and warm. Be wary of patterns if your legs are swollen, as a solid color may be more flattering.

Check your closet for: slip-on shearling boots

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If you haven't already, dig out those Uggs (or your fuzzy boot of choice) and dust 'em off, because they are guaranteed to be your favorite shoes this season. Once you've got a big baby bump to reach over, the idea of putting shoes on — let alone tying them — can become quite the production, so slip-on boots become all the more convenient. They'll look cute with all your leggings, plus warm shearling boots let you skip socks on those mornings when you can't even bring yourself to look for a matching pair in the unfolded laundry pile. (Whatever, pregnant ladies get a pass.)

Skip: maternity panties

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New bras will be a must — you might even go through two new sizes. But unless you exclusively wear tight lace thongs (which will soon be suffocating you) or high-waist undies (which soon won't accommodate your belly), chances are you already own panties that will work just fine while you're pregnant. Most sit low enough on the hips and are made from fabric that has enough give that you'll hardly notice a difference in their fit.

That said, it's best not to test the limits of your fanciest lingerie as your body steadily grows to make room for your baby.